Alpha Lipoic Acid?

[greaterexp]

Does anyone use this as a supplement for neuropathic pain or for MS in general?

[erash]

greaterexp i tried but it made me nausea and I stopped after 1-2 weeks

[greaterexp in reply to erash]

erash , I had read that it could cause GI problems, but that gradually increasing the dose may help with that. Our doctor encouraged my husband to add it daily, but no specific dose. My husband's blood glucose levels have been rising slowly, and along with weight loss, recommended it. I accidentally ordered 50 mg caps, but turns out that may have been good, considering nausea problems. He's starting with 100 mg and working up to 600 mg. I saw doses as high as 1200 mg per day for MS. There appeared to be significant reduction of brain atrophy among its attributes. I think I will try it if I can tolerate it. I took 200 mg with no problem, but I'll keep you posted.

[erash in reply to greaterexp]

greaterexp i started with 600mg twice a day. Let me know how you feel on it and maybe I will reconsider starting at a lower dose. There seems to be good research supporting treatment for Diabetic neuropathy. Hope it helps both you and your hubby.

[Rongway3]

I take 600mg daily.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Rongway3]

Hi Rongway3 So happy to see a new face (so to speak) ☺ Pull up a chair and have a seat and stay awhile! Sorry it's for this monster tho.😞

I hope you find our MSAA Community, warm, compassionate, nuts but most of all Supportive!

Please tell us about you, I'm nosey 😁.

~Helpful Hint~ If put an @ in front of person of who your addressing, they will be notified. IE @ jesmcd2 *With No Spaces*

Jes🌠

[Rongway3 in reply to Jesmcd2]

@jesmcd2 I've been a non-active member for a while, but THANKS! I've gone through my e-mail and found quite a few groups that I belong to, but had forgotten the passwords. Trying to get into the swing of things and relearn/ change passwords and make a list of all of them that I can use--- thus far doing a good job.

Needed to do something to keep my mind occupied- did not like the path I was going mentally.

Just hurting.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Rongway3]

Well you can forget about all the other passwords, this one is the only one you need Rongway3 😁 Keeping the mind occupied can be key l think in good health! You definitely need happy thoughts! What do you like to do? With the weather finally starting to warm up a bit, lm getting outside as much as possible, before it gets to hot.

Jes🌠

[Rongway3 in reply to Jesmcd2]

Tuthfully, I DESPISE being sedentary! I miss playing ball, golf, fishing, running around with my kids--they are old enough so maybe grandkids in a few years....

I used to be active! But now-- I really need to tweak what I like or find something new. I REALLLY want to keep bees, but the heat/ weight scare me. I really don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

Yesterday cleaning house, I crawled and mopped on my knees. The drop-foot has gotten bad!

This CRUD has had me so worked up and beyond depressed and then dealing with my LAZY MILLENNIALS---

the watching my mom as I cleaned out her apartment and put her in a home... THEN dealing with the losses of two of my brothers. We moved in with my mil so we could better see what was going on and help her-- she passed.

i'm beside myself.

Just hurting.

[greaterexp in reply to Rongway3]

Rongway3 ,

Wow, you sure have been dealing with a lot. I'm sorry life doesn't seem to understand that we have MS and give us a break. I'm sorry you've been dealing with so much stress.

I am glad you found us again and I pray you find as much support as I have here. I know no one can fix our situations, but it's marvelous to have a group of folks who really understand what we are experiencing and let us vent. I hope life settles down for you and that you find some new ways to enjoy life.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Rongway3]

Rongway3 All l can say is I'm so sorry for all that your going through. It's an awfully lot in such a short amount of time. I can't even imagine. ~hugs~

I find myself tweaking things all the time to get things done. But I also consider that part of life. I feel we do it with or without MS. Although it sure does bring on its own little or big tweaks! Like no more step ladders alone for me grrrrr!!! Sorry about your drop foot, l have it also. They say it's unrelated to MS though.

I worry about your depression, it's not something I take lightly. I have been dealing with it myself for years.☺ Are you seeing someone for it? Have you talked to your PCP about it at all? Maybe you should? Depression and MS can go hand in hand, from what l have been told. I could be wrong though. Please talk to someone though ☺

Millennials 😑 use them as fish bait. Better yet use there phones as golf balls?😁😅😅 Mine are 28, 27 and 25 💕

Jes🌠

[Rongway3 in reply to Jesmcd2]

Jesmcd2 I have really been hurting, DEEP. This depression is not for the weak.

I appreciate the thoughts, prayers!

I cannot put my family through what we've seen just in the last month... a friend of our son (and son of a dear friend) shot himself. We do not know why he was feeling so defeated. Not something I wish on anyone!!

Mom called us to break the news to our son.

Cannot lie, have thought, but continually fighting!

I WILL PREVAIL!!

[greaterexp in reply to Rongway3]

Rongway3 , I think you'll be headed in the right direction (right way) to talk to your primary care doc to see about some possible treatment for your depression. You are so terribly important to your family to let it go any deeper. My youngest son finally told me a few months ago that he felt he needed help with depression. He was helped immensely by a combination of antidepressants and excellent counseling. I feel like I have my delightful son back, and he feels so much better. I pray you will find whatever help you need. Though depression clouds everything, I hope you will believe how precious you are and that you don't need to deal with this by yourself. We are cheering for you.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

[Rongway3 in reply to greaterexp]

greaterexp i appreciate your words, thoughts. I really don't talk about any of this to really anyone... even to my counselor! hell he'd lock me up and take my gun SAYING I'm dangerous.

I love my wife, family (as dysfunctional as it is), friends, people in general and nature (really want to keep bees... i hate killing spiders or bugs, but they invade my space...lol) I couldn't hurt anyone/ thing...

I even have an idea for an invention to save lives/ property, but I spoke to a classmate who happens to be a patent attorney... it would take 2 patents for my one idea. So I know I haven't lost it, just need to find ME again.

I am not the ONLY person down n out..... just need my meds.

I scripts, just no $$ right now.

I've said too much, I'll shut up now!

[greaterexp in reply to Rongway3]

That's one of the beauties of this "place." We can vent with people who truly understand at least a good amount of what we are going through. Venting to our families can overwhelm them or frighten them; they are trying to figure this all out, too.

I sure hope you can figure out the Rx. Can MSAA help in any way?

[Rongway3 in reply to greaterexp]

I am a past board member to a National Organization-- I was told to apply for scholarships for school. Scholarships are not meant FOR ME, I'm just a dad to a patient. I served my 6+2 years (6year term was reset after we had an uprising)... I was to be an asset to the community, not take (my feelings)... then I was taking courses and in school (since I couldn't be State Patrol by braun, I thought maybe brains). While in school, I changed from classroom to on-line for schedule... PI work by day, student at night--- THEN this shit hit! Took typing away, forced me to drop out of classes,,, BUT due to stress and miles driven, doc removed me from work.

The MS community, great.. they help people... Helping and being an asset I will continue, but not my duty to take! I seriously will work my ass off to be self-sufficient.

That is the Frame-of-mind I am struggling with! Ask my wife, I REFUSE TO ASK FOR HELP!

THEN in within the past 3 years, bladder cancer took 2 of my 3 brothers... mom HAS to be depressed as hell. Docs just say, oh wow... yes she has Dementia. My parents' other kid is retired, in a different state with he/parkinson's, sister-in-law/ alzheimer's... now I am POA for mom and sold her place, moved her stuff and put her in a home.

I just have quite a bit on my plate and have to sift through, trudge on... Oh, and I was employed by a specialty pharmacy, but I more or less told them to kma cause of their attitude! I'd say, but don't feel like court as they were just angry with our non-ordering due to their overshipping. Right hand not knowing what left-hand was doing.. and they got verbal with me... huh

Fun fun

Short run through of life. Plenty of shtuff to stress over.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Rongway3]

Hmmm not even sure where to start except to say that I'm so sorry for all that your going through Rongway3 It's alot of stress for anyone to handle let alone someone with MS. And we all know stress isn't good for us. Please know, like greaterexp said, this is a great place to vent! We don't judge here, we are all in the same boat. Just in different places on the stream.😊

Sometimes it's not so much as asking for help, it's being placed in front of you for you to take. One of things that my Dad always told me and stuck was, God only Helps Those Who Help Themselves. Why is it we have to leave it all in his hands? We HAVE to HELP ourselves! So give MSAA a call and see what they can do. You will also be helping your family, by keeping yourself well.

800 532-7667 ext 154. See what they can do, or at least point you in the right direction.

My "head" doc told me once, that not every day will be a good day, and that's OK! Just know you CAN get past it.

We are all here for you! So vent away😊

Jes🌠

[Rongway3 in reply to Jesmcd2]

TY Jesmcd2 . My med situation has not changed, but although weaker emotionally (feel like just busting down crying, teary eyed) I'm hanging in there.

FINALLY got our taxes done (for two years, ugh- damn *busy* lawyer). I've got the ball rolling for AMPYRA!! Now maybe I can be stable on feet!

Got word lastnight that WE WERE ACCEPTED to take over mortgage for my in-laws' house!! Now to just get through the VA! I can actually wear my dad's WWII uniform, but we'll see what they say.

And to think, two weeks ago I was descent and ready to do the PI THING AGAIN! Gosh I completely miss it. I've thought about getting into insurance, get licensing and some $$ and get active... THEN build up to getting my PI licensing back. I was licensed under my old agency for IA, IL, but actually took/ passed tests for NE, KS on my own.

Now look at me... this shit IS NOT FOR THE WEAK!!

I would say that having a diagnosis of MS is simply a medical dx for STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE IT!!

Now, your there, doing what you do... who pays attention to YOU?

How do you handle it? You probably read/ hear so many stories... it would probably tear me apart.

GODSPEED!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Rongway3]

Hiya Rongway3 nothing wrong with a tear or 2😉 unless of course your in my family!😅😅 Crying is good for the soul. It also gets rid of pent up emotions. So give it a go my friend.😊

Congrats on the amprya! Hopefully you will be on it soon! But please keep an eye on your depression. That and MS can go hand in hand. And you my friend have ALOT on your plate!

I'm sure things will calm down soon for you and you can work on your PI stuff. Although l don't know what's​ involved. I do know you can find someone for me tho. The SOB! 😅😅😑

As far as l go? And doing what l do? I love doing what l do!! This Community ☺ helped me when l didn't know what to do, or where to turn or who to talk to. And l was sooo angry! As you said, MS is not for the weak. But someone told me, be thankful when you wakeup, take stock of yourself, and do what you can.💕 So that's what l do☺

How long have you had MS?

J 🌠

[Rongway3 in reply to Jesmcd2]

I was dx'd on 4/07/05. I was removed from work in 12/04 due to symptoms, too much time behind wheel. I was in school for Business /CJ, but had to drop out in 1/05 due to losing typing ability. My first noticeable (bad) symptom was on 3/27/04 while opening hotel room door in Vegas. We were there for volunteer/ business/ couple day vaca. Fello board members took us to Sunrise Hospital-- what a joke, I snapped bracelet off and said call me in the room and left, a couple other board members took us to brand new hospital (7 Hills) and they were flaky, gave me valium and told me to relax.

Medical professionals I was with thought I had a stroke. Doc back home monitored, tested, worked with me over time prior to Neuro referral.

Would it be worth catching this sob, or would it hurt you? Somethings/ people are better for us to remain lost.

I finally acquired my anti-depressants today. Yippee!

I am appreciative of you chatting and helping through this slump! It's been rough. I may have AMPYRA on the way as well. I changed pharmacies and have made changes.

THANK YOU!

Oh, and an Iowa bill passed ealier today legalizing mmj. I sit on a state GRAC for the society, so feeling good about that. Wish I could've helped more.

So are you a patient of this MesS?

Keep on keeping on!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Rongway3]

Rongway3 I guess alot of people have a hard time getting dx'ed. I think l was 1 of the lucky ones. I saw a Neurologists who was more worried about Botox for migraines, than seeing anything else. (Told them that to when they called my home!! I went completely off on them!) They did send me to an arthritic Dr? I don't know what they are called. Anyway he took 1 look at my MRI on a Friday, l had the appt at my MS clinic on Monday. And my roller coaster ride of my life takes another turn in life.!.

Glad to hear your anti's showed up! Now take them!! They take about 2 weeks to kick in. Believe me I know.😑 Ok well took that long for me. Just give them time☺

Your welcome? I wouldn't think you thank a friend for talking to each other.😁 But l know where your coming from. Was off mine for a month 😢😞 it wasn't pretty. Told my doc that I was looking at the bridge. He goes what stopped you? Told him all l would do is break something.😑 He laughed and gave me back my meds.

Hang in there my friend 😊 you never know what tomorrow brings!

Jes🌠

[Fancy1959 in reply to Rongway3]

Hello Wrongway3, it's Fancy1959 and I too would like to welcome incredible chat room. You have found a safe place to come and ask questions and voice concerns with some of the kindest,most caring people I have ever met. I am glad you have joined our family. We can provide you access to resources that will help you with your journey navigate through MS's intricacies and pit falls. Until we speak again please take care and remember together we are stronger.

[Rongway3 in reply to Fancy1959]

Fancy1959 TY!

[goatgal]

greaterexp I've taken 600 mg daily for several years. It does give me heartburn if I don't take it with food. What works for me is to take it midway through breakfast. That takes care of it.

[greaterexp in reply to goatgal]

goatgal , do you believe it has had a positive effect on your MS?

[goatgal in reply to greaterexp]

greaterexp I honestly don't know the answer to your question. What I do know is that I have not had new lesions or any exacerbations since I've been taking it faithfully (4 years). My neurologist assures me that my diagnosis is still RRMS and may be transitioning to SP. But, whatever the reason: if I pace myself, do my exercises, eat properly, pay attention to the stressors in my life and generally take care of myself, I seem to do alright.

[marktwinter]

I take 300mg currently but I am planning on increasing the dosage slowly. 600mg gave me problems.

I have also read that 1200mg was the target.

[greaterexp]

Thank you, starlight5 . I hadn't read that. Yes, it's challenging for most of us to weed through the data to get a grasp of all that information!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Since l have no clue what that is, l will keep my 2¢ to myself 😁 and learn from you all.

J 🌠

[Fancy1959]

Greaterexp, it's Fancy1959. I wish I could help, butI don't use the supplement. I am very lucky not to have to deal with excessive nerve pain. Best of luck that others in the chat room can help you find the info you need.

[Rongway3]

For a long time I took "nature Made", but my wife picked up a couple bottles of Natures Bounty on sale.

I have been trying to find the best way to tell if a company has a better scorecard than the others as there is simply too much mis-trust with Brands selling fake filler just for sales. I do take other Supps as well as many fellow patients, so I feel it's very important to KNOW WHAT WE are taking.

Nature Made should be ok as I have been on them for many years and my doc tests my D level. At one point he told me to back-off a little while as my level was just shy of 150K which he said I was Borderline Toxic. Been taking 10K per day and he hasn't said anything... I understand the half-life is around 7 days.

[greaterexp in reply to Rongway3]

When possible, I try to find vitamins that are USP. I think there are a couple of other similar to that which check the purity of the ingredients. I didn't see any ALA supplements that were USP, but the 50mg caps I found on Amazon were Swanson brand. I hope that's good!

[BillD999]

greaterexp, I take this, 600mg twice a day without any ill effects that I'm aware of, also no clear benefit that I'm aware of. Pain in my case is always sporadic, no real pattern so hard to say if it's making a difference there. I'll be sticking with it for a while.

neurologyadvisor.com/aan-20...

[greaterexp in reply to BillD999]

BillD999 , thanks for the link!

[jimeka]

As always this forum is a whole world of information. Thank you everyone as I did not know anything. Google is going to start charging me with the amount of usage I have had since joining here. It's better than going to Uni. Blessings Jimeka. Ronyway3, hi and I am sorry for your sadness. Every day is a new day, full of wonderful things that the ms cannot take away from us. If you take time each day and find one thing that you see or hear, and write it down everyday for a month, you will be surprised at what blessings we still all have. 🦋 🌈

[itasara]

Here is what I take and info about it: Acetylcarnitine (acetyl L-Carnitine) po +Alpha lipoic acid. 500mg. Plus Ester C 500mg.

ℹ️ antioxidant; anti cell aging nutrition;

cardio health; cog fx; fatigue; BP support

I have taken this for several years. I can't remember any adverse side effects. Does it help or am I wasting my money? No idea!

[greaterexp]

If the benefits outweigh the risks, I tend to move toward trying it. At least there are some studies showing good results, especially with a sharp decrease in brain shrinkage. Testimonials alone can't show that.